Matthew 10:28
Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))
«لا تَخافوا الَّذينَ يَقتُلونَ الجَسد، ولا يَستَطيعونَ قَتلَ النَّفْس، بل خافوا الَّذي يَقدِرُ على أَنْ يُهلِكَ النَّفْسَ والجَسَدَ جَميعًا في جَهنَّم.
What Does This Mean?
Jesus tells his disciples not to fear those who can only harm the body but cannot harm the soul. Instead, they should fear God, who has power over both the soul and the body in eternity.
Explained for Children
Imagine someone scares you by saying they'll take away your toy. That's like people who can hurt your body but not your soul. But think of a bigger scare—someone who could make sure you lose all your toys forever, that’s more like God, who can affect both your body and soul.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this account around AD 80-90 to a primarily Jewish-Christian audience. The verse reflects the cultural fear of earthly authorities, which Jesus contrasts with divine judgment in eternal contexts.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could involve someone fearing their boss's wrath at work. While a boss can cause job loss or bodily harm through harassment, it’s important to remember that God has ultimate power over one’s destiny and soul.
Topics
FearSalvationDivine JudgmentSoul and BodyHope in EternityFaith
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we fear God more than other humans?
We fear God more because He has ultimate authority over life, death, and eternity. Humans can only affect our physical existence, but not our spiritual destiny.
How does this relate to modern workplace fears?
In a work setting, fearing God means prioritizing ethical behavior and truth even if it leads to job loss or conflict with superiors who might harm the body but cannot control one's soul.
What is the significance of 'soul and body' in eternal context?
Soul represents the spiritual essence while body refers to physical existence. Both are significant as God can affect both in eternity, emphasizing His omnipotence over human life.
How does this verse impact our relationship with earthly authorities?
It suggests a proper balance where we respect and obey laws but prioritize God's commandments over man-made rules when they conflict, maintaining spiritual integrity.